The Katsina State government said it spent over N3.2 billion in the payment of scholarship allowances to 260,899 students of tertiary institutions for the 2017-2023 academic sessions. 

The deputy governor, Faruq Jobe, who disclosed this in Katsina on Saturday at the 16th convocation of the Al-Qalam University, said the allowances covered the students at home and abroad. 

“I am also glad to announce that we have paid over N3.203 billion as scholarship allowance to 260,899 continuing and fresh students of tertiary institutions for the 2017-2023 academic sessions, both at home and abroad,” he said.

According to him, the administration of Governor Dikko Radda has accorded education a top priority in line with its strategic policy document called “Building your Future.” 

“To this end, we have upgraded the department of higher education to a fully fledged ministry to take charge of tertiary institutions, technical and vocational training in the state.  

“In the same vein, Radda will, on Thursday, inaugurate the disbursement of over N700 million as bursary allowance for the year 2024 to Katsina State students. 

“Similarly, he will be launching the second phase of the state government’s award of academic excellence to students with outstanding performance.

“This award will go to students with a CGPA of 4.50 and above, alongside the granting of special scholarships to students with special needs,” the deputy governor said. 

According to Mr Jobe, in 2023, 41 students were sent to Egypt to study medicine on fully funded scholarships.

He said, ”Recently, 67 were extended scholarships to study Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other cutting-edge disciplines in China.

“Our decision to do that was based on the way AI is changing the way we live and work.”

Mr Jobe said the current administration was committed to ensuring Katsina remains at the forefront of technological revolution.  

“In addition, this administration has approved the upgrade of the Institute of Technology and Management to a degree-awarding institution. This will enhance the technical skills of the people,” Mr Jobe said.

Congratulating the graduates, the deputy governor encouraged them to seize every opportunity to learn, evolve, and contribute to society. 

(NAN)